Noise is a reality of contemporary life. From busy stadiums to restaurants to the train station, noise is all around and may become overpowering at times. For the hearing aid users, the problem of background noise can be immense. It’s a big challenge to differentiate one sound from the background noise. Digital noise reduction technology embedded inside hearing aids is one approach to combating this problem. It allows the wearer to block unwanted noise and focus on specific sounds.
Hearing aids that utilize digital noise reduction technology are able to pick up on the unique differences between speech and noise. This is easy to do when speaking to someone in a quiet room as the speech signals are the only sound around. Walk into a crowded and noisy room and the hearing aid equipped with digital noise reduction immediately knows that unwanted noise is present. The hearing aid makes the necessary adjustments on its own using built-in software and reduces the volume associated with the noisy channels.
While no hearing aid can completely eliminate unwanted noise, it can go a long way in reducing the frustration brought about by trying to communicate in loud environments. Compared to hearing aids that don’t have noise reduction technology embedded, user report better speech sounds and improved comprehension.
Digital noise reduction technology works best when the background noise it is combating is fairly constant. While digital noise reduction may not be completely effective in reducing the impact of loud music or nearby conversation, it can greatly reduce steady sounds such as an air conditioner or a motor.
To give your digital noise reduction capable hearing aid the best chance at succeeding, use common sense measures in conjunction with technology. If dining in a crowded restaurant, for example, consider asking to be seated in a quieter part of the room or request that the music playing overhead be turned down.
While no hearing aid technology can give you perfect hearing, digital noise reduction can take much of the annoyance out of dealing with noisy situations.
